Abstract:

While conventional wisdom suggests postsecondary education is fundamental to sustaining economic growth, maintaining a democratic polity, and insuring individual quality of life, opportunities to pursue postsecondary education are not distributed equitably. Of most notable concern, in institutions of higher learning, is the under-representation of first-generation college students, students of color, students from low-income homes, and immigrant students. This study examined the Washington State Achievers (WSA) Program, a guaranteed scholarship program serving those traditionally underrepresented in higher education. High school students from five high schools, in one urban Washington state district, were surveyed about their family and educational backgrounds, social networks, and participation in the WSA program. A follow-up survey was administered the fall after high school graduation, at which time students were asked if and where they were enrolled in postsecondary coursework. Responses to the surveys were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models to evaluate how the WSA program influenced postsecondary enrollment and the types of postsecondary institutions in which underserved students enrolled. Results from the analysis suggested that the WSA program was effective at not only improving postsecondary opportunity, but in expanding the opportunity for enrollment at four-year universities. Furthermore, the WSA program was particularly effective at improving postsecondary opportunity for African American and female scholarship recipients.